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sexual orientation

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sexual orientation
This essay will look into sexual orientation. This essay will identify and define sexual orientation focusing on homosexuality. It will further provide an overview of homosexuality and a summary. I will discuss my initial opinions, attitudes, biases and assumptions about sexual orientation and demonstrate how my awareness of this element of diversity increased throughout the module. I will further address how this awareness will impact my ability to counsel more competently, followed by a conclusion of all the issues covered.

Sexual orientation is distinct from other components of sex and gender, including biological sex which is the anatomical, physiological, and genetic characteristics associated with being male or female, gender identity which is the psychological sense of being male or female, and social gender role which is the cultural norms that define feminine and masculine behaviour. Reference People express their sexual orientation through behaviours with others, including such simple actions as holding hands or kissing. The American Psychological Association (2008) notices that sexual orientation is closely tied to the intimate personal relationships that meet deeply felt needs for love, attachment, and intimacy. In addition to sexual behaviours, these bonds include nonsexual physical affection between partners, shared goals and values, mutual support, and on-going commitment. According to the American Psychological Association (2008) sexual orientation is not merely a personal characteristic within an individual. Rather, one’s sexual orientation defines the group of people in which one is likely to find the satisfying and fulfilling romantic relationships that are an essential component even though the definitions of homosexuality generally refer to both men and women (American Psychological Association, 2008).
According to Head (2013) a person 's sexual orientation is defined by the gender to which he or she is sexually attracted. I disagree

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